The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is an inspiring true story about a woman born in Boston, who was “unique from the start”. She was unable to speak by age 3 and didn’t enjoy hugs. The story continues to draw you a picture of a withdrawn girl. She doesn’t enjoy the “normal” things. Something is different about Temple.
Yet, her mother finds special teachers to help Temple and discovers her diagnosis. They diagnose her with autism and explain that she was “different, not less”, and instead, thought in pictures!
In school, Temple gets picked on by classmates for repeating her words. One day, she loses her temper and throws a book at another child. This incident forces her out of school but became a turning point for Temple.
Her mother sends Temple to an aunt’s farm and where she discovers her love language...animals! As she grows up on this farm and attends a more supportive school, her imagination begins to soar.
She builds an invention mimicking cows snug in a cage hugging her with boards, instead of arms. This keeps Temple calm and makes her feel special! She vows to offer more humane solutions for beef raising farms.
The book continues to discuss in poetry format her fascinating adult life. Temple graduates with 3 degrees! Her tenacity to help farms raising cattle turns out to be a huge success. Eventually, several farms adopt her design of transporting livestock in a peaceful and calm way.
This book contains adorable images. The drawings remind me of the picture book There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. It is a very easy read for elementary-aged children using a galvanizing poem. This would also make a great read-aloud for preschool-aged children.
Synopsis
As a homeschool teacher, I was thrilled to obtain an advance copy for review. It's a great resource for a unit study, especially for young girls. Here is a 5-day unit study I created for more inspiration.
1. Read Temple’s story together.
2. Review Temple's incredible obstacles. Ask your student to write a few sentences how it inspired her.
3. Review the contemporary timeline and discuss further.
4. Write a letter to Temple thanking her for being such an inspiration.
5. Go to the library and check out some more books or a video about her or another inspiring female.
This is an empowering story for females around the world! It reminds us how we can all use our "shortcomings" and transform them into powerful achievements!
I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this The Girl Who Thought in Pictures. Any girl of any age will be encouraged, enlightened, and empowered reading this delightful story!
